Topical Bible: Wine in Bottles

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Wine, a significant element in biblical times, is often mentioned in the Scriptures, symbolizing joy, celebration, and sometimes judgment. The concept of "wine in bottles" is not directly referenced in the Bible, as the ancient methods of storing wine differed from modern practices. However, understanding the biblical context of wine storage and its symbolic meanings provides insight into its role in biblical narratives.

Biblical Context of Wine Storage

In biblical times, wine was typically stored in skins, known as wineskins, rather than bottles. These wineskins were made from animal hides, usually goats, and were used to ferment and store wine. The elasticity of the skins allowed them to expand as the wine fermented. This method is highlighted in the teachings of Jesus, who used the metaphor of wineskins to illustrate the incompatibility of old and new covenants: "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins" (Mark 2:22).

Symbolism of Wine

Wine in the Bible often symbolizes abundance and blessing. It is associated with joy and celebration, as seen in the wedding at Cana, where Jesus performed His first miracle by turning water into wine (John 2:1-11). This act not only demonstrated His divine power but also underscored the significance of wine as a symbol of joy and festivity.

Moreover, wine is used in the context of the Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the New Covenant. He took the cup of wine and said, "This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many" (Mark 14:24). Here, wine symbolizes the sacrificial blood of Christ, establishing a new relationship between God and humanity.

Wine as a Symbol of Judgment

While wine is often associated with positive connotations, it also serves as a symbol of judgment and wrath. The prophets frequently used the imagery of a cup of wine to depict God's impending judgment on nations. For instance, Jeremiah speaks of the "cup of the wine of wrath" that nations must drink, leading to their downfall (Jeremiah 25:15-16).

Practical and Cultural Aspects

In the ancient Near East, wine was a staple beverage, consumed daily and used in religious rituals. It was a valuable commodity, often mentioned in the context of trade and economy. The production and consumption of wine were integral to the culture and social life of the Israelites and their neighbors.

The Bible also provides guidance on the consumption of wine, warning against excess and drunkenness. Proverbs 20:1 states, "Wine is a mocker, strong drink is raging, and whoever is led astray by them is not wise." This caution reflects the biblical principle of moderation and self-control.

Conclusion

While the Bible does not specifically mention "wine in bottles," the concept of wine and its storage in ancient times is rich with symbolic and practical significance. From representing joy and blessing to serving as a metaphor for judgment, wine plays a multifaceted role in the biblical narrative, reflecting the cultural and spiritual life of the people in biblical times.

Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 9:4,13
They did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up;
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Job 32:19
Behold, my belly is as wine which has no vent; it is ready to burst like new bottles.
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Jeremiah 13:12
Therefore you shall speak to them this word; Thus said the LORD God of Israel, Every bottle shall be filled with wine: and they shall say to you, Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?
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Jeremiah 48:12
Therefore, behold, the days come, said the LORD, that I will send to him wanderers, that shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels, and break their bottles.
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Matthew 9:17
Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.
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Luke 5:37,38
And no man puts new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish.
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Library

The Parable of the New Patch on the Old Garment, and of the New ...
... The Parable of the New Patch on the Old Garment, and of the New Wine in Old Bottles. ...
But new wine must be put into new bottles, and both are preserved." ...
/.../section 138 the parable of.htm

The Call of Levi the Publican Christ in Relation to the Baptist. ...
... For new wine is not put into old bottles, except by one who has the old bottles;
nor does anybody put a new piece to an old garment, unless the old garment be ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xi the call of levi.htm

A Teacher with Authority
... And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles,
and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine ...
/.../mark/jesus of nazareth a biography/chapter ii a teacher with.htm

The Judges Said: we Desire to have Information from You on this ...
... For our Lord Jesus Christ, indeed, seems to me to have spoken of these in His parables,
when He said: "No man can put new wine into old bottles, else the ...
/.../the acts of the disputation with the heresiarch manes/18 the judges said we.htm

The Publicans' Friend
... And no man putteth new wine into old bottles: else the new wine doth burst the bottles,
and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred: but new wine ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the publicans friend.htm

Alcuin on True Missionary Labours.
... He refers to the fact, that when Christ was asked why his disciples did not fast,
he replied: "No man putteth new wine into old bottles, lest the bottles burst ...
/.../neander/light in the dark places/alcuin on true missionary labours.htm

Acts of Saint Philip the Apostle when He Went to Upper Hellas.
... something new, you ought to throw away from you the disposition of the old man;
as my Lord said, It is impossible to put new wine into old bottles, since the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the acts of philip/acts of saint philip the.htm

Book vii. On the Useful or the Ordinary
... [Ex.28:40]. The bottle is the form of the human body; in the gospel: one
ought to put new wine in new bottles. [Luke 5:38]. Flour ...
/.../eucherius/the formulae of st eucherius of lyons/book vii on the useful.htm

Levi-Matthew
... Jesus further illustrated this fact, saying, "No man putteth new wine into old bottles;
else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 28 levi-matthew.htm

The Call of Matthew
... Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine
runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture b/the call of matthew.htm